Chapter 785   - If I Sing You a Song (1)

"I've wanted to ask, Meili, why did you choose to use Black Nightingale instead of your own name as other popular designers do?" Zhang Jiren asked while the crowd was still mesmerized by Luo Qingqing's appearance.

Li Meili kept her eyes on her model but her mind was trying to find the right words on how to respond to her husband. It was the first time someone asked her that question, and not even Tang Moyu knew the reason behind 'Black Nightingale'.

"What do you know about the nightingales, Jiren?" she asked in return, pleased that the person seated next to her was too engrossed at the scene on the stage, giving her and Zhang Jiren a moment of privacy to talk about her pseudonym.

"I don't know much about nightingales," Zhang Jiren confessed. "What I do know is that they are slightly larger than robins and are well known for their lilting beautiful songs and they are also hard to find nowadays."

"That's true." Li Meili nodded. "But do you know that people used to think that it was the females who sang at night? But in fact, it is the unmated males who sang through the night, trying to serenade migrating females down as they fly over?"

Zhang Jiren looked at her in surprise. "This is the first time I heard about it."

"It's a common mistake of people," Li Meili let out a chuckle. "The most characteristic feature of their song is their loud whistling crescendo." This time her tone had a hint of sadness in it that Zhang Jiren didn't miss.

"I chose the little bird… the nightingale, because it reminds me so much of Beixuan," she confessed to her husband.

"As you know there was a difference between our ages, and for the longest time, I denied that I felt something for him. I think that's the biggest regret I have in my life, Jiren." Her voice was so low that only Zhang Jiren was able to hear her as she rested her head on his arm to get closer.

"I have wasted so much time convincing myself that I cannot be with him and repeatedly denied him every time he sought after me." Just thinking how much time she wasted before accepting him, admitting her love for Tang Beixuan was something Li Meili couldn't get over yet.

"The Black Nightingale symbolizes the love I have for him," she continued. "The nightingale will sing for its mate all through the night and thus also symbolizes love and adoration. Its sweet song brings to light what is mysterious and hidden."

Li Meili shut her eyes as she tried to hide her tears. "It also signifies the lovers' undying love for each other, in spite of both being in mortal danger. I know it wouldn't be easy for us to be together but I just couldn't stop myself from loving him."

Melancholy and joy.

Love and loss.

Life and death.

These were also the things a nightingale symbolized. A nightingale also changed from a timid persona to a brave one after its mate laid eggs, the proof of their union.

Li Meili had no doubt that Tang Beixuan would do the same if he'd found out about their little baby. It was just too bad that he didn't even manage to know or meet their daughter in this lifetime.

Zhang Jiren never thought that Tang Beixiuan was the reason behind her pseudonym. Li Meili had loved Tang Beixuan for such a long time that she willingly hid her affections for the man through her work.

The nightingale was known to be used by poets because this little bird also symbolized creativity and seemingly spontaneous songs. For some romantic poets, the nightingale even began to take on qualities of the muse. Li Meili was no different. Even though she repeatedly denied her love for Tang Beixuan, she knew well she could not lie to herself at least.

"I see. Thank you for telling me, Meili." He gently tucked her loose hair behind her ear and kissed her crown. "I know it's not easy for you to tell it so I appreciate your honesty."

Li Meili smiled and pulled away from him as she saw Luo Qingqing finally leaving the runway.

"You aren't a stranger to me, Jiren. That's why I am able to tell you this," she told him before clapping along with the other attendees once Luo Qingqing disappeared backstage. Her appearance tonight had effectively turned everyone's attention away from Xing Yiyue who appeared before her.

The loud cheer from the crowd had filled the hall they were in. Zhang Jiren stared at his wife, watching the glint in her eyes as she looked at the stage.

"If I sing you a song, is there a chance that you can be mine?" he said, not knowing he just voiced out what he was thinking at that moment. Zhang Jiren had realized his mistake too late and his eyes widened in realization.

Li Meili turned her head to face him; her brows drew together in confusion.

"Did you say something? I'm sorry I wasn't able to hear what you said with all the noise," she replied. "Can you repeat what you said?"

Zhang Jiren sighed in relief when he realized Li Meili hadn't heard what he'd just said. He didn't know how he would be able to face her if she knew he was holding such feelings for her.

"I said it seems that there's a good chance that you would win tonight considering how Miss Luo was able to outshine Xing Yiyue," he lied to her.

Li Meili grinned back.

"Have you seen the accessories Miss Luo was wearing tonight? She's not only advertising my work but also showcasing Xiao Xing's unparalleled beauty when it comes to jewelry."